If you’ve ever dealt with a rodent infestation in your home or business, you know how frustrating they are. Not only do rats and mice leave a mess, they can also spread dangerous bacteria and cause property damage. While rare here in the Chicago IL area, rats and mice are capable of transmitting some of the world’s most dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease and hantavirus. It’s important to learn about the dangers of rodents, and to always seek help from a rodent exterminator to protect you and your property year-round!
Can Rodents Cause Property Damage?
Yes! Rats and mice are infamous for the damage they leave behind with their chewing and gnawing habits. Rats have incisors that never stop growing, meaning they never stop chewing. One of the most dangerous things rats chew on are electrical wires. Needless to say, exposed wires can become a fire hazard. Additionally, rats and mice will tear up any type of material to create nests. When rodent infestations go on for some time, they can cause hazardous conditions inside your home or business.
Rat-Borne Diseases in Chicago
Rodents are most feared for their ability to carry and transmit a number of dangerous diseases. These diseases can be transmitted directly when a human comes into contact with a rodent’s saliva or droppings, or when a bite occurs. Indirectly, these diseases are spread by infected fleas, mites, and ticks. The main rat and mice-borne diseases to know about include:
- Hantavirus. Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases, it can lead to kidney failure or worse.
- Salmonella. The bacteria spread by rats and mice can track onto food. The most infamous bacteria is of course salmonella, known as food poisoning.
- Lyme Disease. This is of course transmitted by ticks, which are often carried by rats and mice. This disease is dangerous and can have long-term effects on health.
- Plague. Historically, the bubonic plague was caused by infected fleas that were carried by rats and mice. This disease can still be spread today.
Rodent Control and Prevention
If you have rats or mice in your property, you’re going to need the help of a rodent exterminator to get rid of them. A rodent infestation is much more dangerous than you may think, making it important to act quickly when you discover rats or mice in your property. At Terminix Anderson, we understand how distressing a rodent problem can be. Our rodent control team can protect you, your family, and your property from the dangers of rodents year-round!
